Taxes and Cat Naps

Productivity is up, folks, and the last few days of last week were very satisfying. I made my “six things” lists each night and slashed at them each day. I kept myself off Facebook during “business hours.” The laundry and dishes are done. Thank-you notes were written and sent. Emails were tackled. Groceries were purchased.

On Thursday night, I met with my Pod People and implemented some ideas Sue gave me. On second Thursdays, we meet at the church, and as nice as the environment can be, it’s just not the same as meeting in someone’s house. Our dinner parties of late last year were loads of fun for me, and for them too, I hope. So, to work around the less-than-ideal environment, I brought an old comforter that I spread on the floor under a giant fake tree at the entrance to the kids’ ministry section. I brought a vase of daisies and poured out a bag of individually wrapped dark chocolates. I lit a lavender candle (that Sue gave me!). We lounged, picnic-style, and talked about their groups, the successes and the challenges. Much better, I thought, than sitting in chairs.

Today, I spent the entire morning and most of the afternoon preparing for our taxes, reading up on the self-employment tax, SEP IRAs vs. individual 401ks, deductions for business expenses, the endless debate on which is better, Vanguard or Fidelity (any ideas? I’ve heard Vanguard has lower fees…). When my brain could take no more, I crashed on the futon, fully intending to read but falling asleep before getting up the energy to crack open the book. I was covered with this fluffy robe my parents gave me for Christmas, and Oliver was curled up next to me, purring. Bliss.